If Rossi is included, it is understood that it will come at EmanueleGiaccherini’s expense, with the diminutive Sunderland midfielder otherwise seen as in contention for a midfield spot.

The rest of that midfield selection is rumoured to include Antonio Candreva, Marco Parolo, Thiago Motta and Marco Verratti, alongside the expected names of Daniele De Rossi, Claudio Marchisio, Riccardo Montolivo and Andrea Pirlo.